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GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks sink on dismal economic data, mixed trade signals

Published 23/09/2019, 12:53
© Reuters.  GLOBAL MARKETS-Stocks sink on dismal economic data, mixed trade signals
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* Graphic: World FX rates in 2019 http://tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh

* French, German and Euro zone PMIs weaker than expected

* Oil falls below $64

* MSCI All Country World Index down 0.2%

By Ritvik Carvalho

LONDON, Sept 23 (Reuters) - Global shares sank on Monday as

weaker-than-expected economic data added to investor worries

over the unresolved U.S.-China trade dispute's effects on the

world economy.

European stock markets opened lower as surveys of purchasing

managers from France, Germany, and the euro zone came in weaker

than expected. The pan-European STOXX 600 .STOXX index was

down 0.9%. .EU The euro fell 0.4% to $1.0966 EUR=EBS after the German

Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) release, its lowest in over a

week against the dollar. FRX/

Germany's DAX index .GDAXI hit its lowest level in nearly

two weeks, down 1.35% after the euro zone data, while France's

CAC 40 .FCHI fell nearly 1%.

"Considering that Germany already contracted in Q2, today's

numbers effectively increase the risk of another negative

quarter in Q3, which by definition would constitute a technical

recession," said Marios Hadjikyriacos, investment analyst at XM.

"It seems that the malaise in manufacturing -- owed to trade

and Brexit worries -- has started to spread to the much larger

services sector as well."

Euro zone business growth has stalled this month, a survey

showed on Monday, less than two weeks after outgoing ECB

President Mario Draghi pledged indefinite stimulus to revive the

bloc's ailing economy. The recent switch back into support mode by top central

banks including the U.S. Federal Reserve, the ECB and China's

PBOC has swollen the amount of bonds trading at negative rates

to a record of more $17 trillion.

The Bank for International Settlements in its latest report

said the growing acceptance of negative interest rates - where

investors effectively pay for the privilege of lending - has

reached "vaguely troubling" levels. MSCI's All Country World Index .MIWD00000PUS , which tracks

shares across 47 countries was down 0.25%.

U.S. stock futures - earlier up 0.4% - fell after the PMI

data in Europe. S&P 500 E-mini futures ESc1 last traded flat.

Protests in Cairo and other major cities against government

corruption had forced the suspension of Egypt's main stock

market on Sunday and the strains spilled into debt and foreign

exchange as major trading centres like London began their week.

In the FX non-deliverable forward (NDF) markets, the

Egyptian pound weakened to 18.36 to the U.S. dollar

EGP1YNDFOR= and widened the gap with the more managed spot FX

rate, which was at 16.26 pounds EGP= .

The government's dollar-denominated bonds fell as much 3

cents in the dollar too. EG195305749=

"We don't think this will be a repeat of the Arab Spring,"

said Aberdeen Standard Investments' Kevin Daly. But apparently

there will be more demonstrations scheduled for Friday so let's

see how that pans out."

TRADE CONCERNS

Most Asian share markets slipped as investors waited for

more clarity on U.S.- China trade talks.

MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan

.MIAPJ0000PUS fell 0.3%.

Over the weekend, the U.S. Trade Representative's office

issued a brief statement characterising the two days of talks

with China as "productive." It added that a principal-level

trade meeting in Washington would take place in October, as

previously planned. China's Commerce Ministry, in a brief statement, described

the talks as "constructive", and said they had also had a good

discussion on "detailed arrangements" for the high-level talks

in October.

Additionally, the United States removed tariffs from more

than 400 Chinese products in response to requests from U.S.

companies. Despite the improved tone, markets still remain unconvinced

about the possibility of an imminent deal.

Investors were rattled by news on Friday that Chinese

officials unexpectedly cancelled a visit to U.S. farms this week

following their two days of negotiations in Washington.

In the Middle East, news that five Yemeni civilians were

killed in air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition further soured

investor appetite. Oil fell below $64 a barrel, reversing an earlier gain,

pressured by the prospect of a faster-than-expected full restart

of Saudi Arabian oil output and by fresh signs of European

economic weakness. O/R

A source, briefed on the latest developments in the Sept. 14

attack on Saudi oil facilities, told Reuters Saudi Arabia has

restored around 75% of crude output lost. Brent crude futures LCOc1 - the international benchmark

for oil - fell 0.2% to $63.98 per barrel. O/R

U.S. crude oil futures fell 0.6% to $57.79 a barrel. O/R

The Pentagon has ordered additional troops to be deployed in

the Gulf region to strengthen Saudi Arabia's air and missile

defences following an attack on Saudi oil facilities.

Markets will closely watch September manufacturing activity

surveys due from the United States later in the day.

In currencies, the dollar gained 0.23% against a basket of

currencies DXY= .

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